You might've noticed I named this series. It's part of the Irish & Celtic Music Magazine which is published every week in conjunction with the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. The newsletter comes out every Thursday. My hope is to keep this series going, except I'm gonna focus on artists on the podcast. But that is largely dependent on if I can afford to keep it going.
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Looking for some new instrumental music to add to your collection? Give Randy Clepper a try! This gentleman has mastered quite a number of different instruments, including everything from Irish bouzouki, to tenor banjo, to the hammered dulcimer. Born in Tennessee, Randy grew up listening to a range of different musical styles, such as folk, funk, rock, and bluegrass. He settled in on the hammered dulcimer for a while, but he also expanded his play to include more traditional Irish instruments and sounds, participating in Irish sessions and growing in scope as a musician.
Randy has released multiple CDs, starting with his first, “Within a Mile” back in 2001. His next was a group effort in 2004, titled, “Hammer On!” (and I’d bet you can guess what instrument is a focal point on this album!). In 2013 he released “Finally Tuned”, his last effort to date. Although each of these offerings has a bit of a different feel—one thing is the same on each—the quality of play. The Celtic tunes included in these albums are excellent, and the selection of tracks is perfect—especially if you prefer no vocals. Just listen to the banjo, the guitar, the dulcimer. It’s magical all on its own!
These days you’re likely to see (and hear) Randy Clepper alongside John Sherman, another accomplished musician with which he has performed with regularly for many years. As a matter-of-fact, you’ll hear him with Randy on “Finely Tuned”, which really wound up being a duo effort. This album has traditional Celtic music, along with some more modern tracks. It’s a good one to round out any collection, and it offers a simple, live feel to it. It’s clean, without being overproduced, but not amateurish at all, with these two at the helm of their respective instruments.
Life-long musicians are always a treat to listen to, because they bring personality to the music they play. No two are exactly the same, and that’s the case with Randy Clepper. His unique take on Celtic sounds brings with it a fun spirit and adept level of play that is a joy to listen to. Treat yourself!
You can find out more about Randy Clepper on his website.
Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among other magazines, and for the Irish & Celtic Music Magazine and Irish & Celtic Music Podcast for nearly 15 years. You can reach her through her website at CatherineLTully.com.
